Oh in the glum days of January and February, there’s not just a lot to be excited about. My mind wanders always, but more so when my interests are limited due to lack of exciting upcoming events. So, while waiting for our next month of exciting events to roll around, it dawned on me to write a quick blog that has always helped me in the self evaluative acknowledgement that I’m not the smartest person on the planet, or hell, probably in the room and it’s just me and my dog!
So, while matriculating (not sure you can call it that) in college, in between beers (if there was such a time). It dawned on me. I was doing my normal routine of planning on studying for a test. I’ve cleaned the house, the car, watched all the TV I can stand, walked around aimlessly, drove by my favorite bar (albeit it was 9am) and finally I need to crack the old proverbial book! Good old calculus! Yea! I’m excited now!
So, as I attempt derivatives with full anticipation of integrations….I remember back in High School one of my teachers telling me that if you’re lucky you retain 10% of the information you’re taught in class and are tested on! Hmmm, that makes me curious as to what level of effort I shall put forth for a mere 10%. So, as my ADHD is in full bloom with the thought of not having to think. I do some research that I confirmed today. It is actually 5% you’re lucky to gain in retention! Wow, now that really motivates me on getting an A on this upcoming test now! I’m only going to remember 5% friggin percent!
So, here’s the part you never tell your children! If indeed your retention level is only 5% and you were to barely get by (pointing directly at myself) with a 70, having spent the adequate amount of time (let’s say 2 hrs studying) and the kid next to you puts forth the appropriate amount of effort (let’s say 20 hrs…hey it is Calculus). Then in reality if he/she were to make a perfect score back then (1995) and I were to squeak out that low C with a 70. So, they retain the full 5% of the subject, i'd retain 3.5% of the subject. So, we're talking about 1.5% more knowledge for an additional 18 hrs. So, then today as I sit on the barstool next to that kid or one of his similar cohorts we can discuss the topic with only a differential of 1.5% of the information. That’s right folks on a 50 question test, your brilliant buddy gets three questions that you don’t, correct! Sure he’s a Doctor and makes lots of money and I’m not and I don’t. But hey, we can talk Calculus. But, really folks, that shit is boring. So, we watch sports and if the topic of beer arises, having acquired my PHD in such a subject (from pure exposure alone), Class is in session!
Moral of the story, don’t think so much! Enjoy your time in school no need worrying yourself to death on 1.5% of some shit you’re not going to want to talk about anyway and find yourself a cool ass bar at Texas Beer Maps and watch sports and chase tail (if that be your game)!
Happy Drinking and have a nice day,
Derek